Bulletin Articles
Wine is a Mocker - Proverbs 20:1
In Proverbs 20:1, the wise king Solomon imparts his wisdom, stating:
“Wine is a mocker, Strong drink is a brawler, And whoever is led astray by it is not wise.”
The impact of alcoholism on my family has been a stark reality in my life.
During my adolescence, I briefly experimented with alcohol and thought I was invisible and in control. But was I truly in control? Solomon’s caution in Proverbs 14:12 serves as a poignant reminder:
“There is a way that seems right to a man, But its end is the way of death.”
The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism has documented research findings on drinking, emphasizing its impact. Their website notes that “Alcohol makes it harder for the brain areas controlling balance, memory, speech, and judgment to do their jobs, resulting in a higher likelihood of injuries and other negative outcomes. Long-term heavy drinking causes alterations in the neurons, such as reductions in their size.” This is a troubling revelation - certainly, no one would desire a shrunken brain and a compromised ability to perform its functions.
Fortunately, I was introduced to Christ and his will for my life. This allowed me to step back and reflect not only on the effects of alcohol on me, but also on my family.
For those grappling with concerns related to alcohol or alcoholism, allow me to leave you with these profound words from king Solomon -- refer to Proverbs 23:29-35:
29 Who has woe? Who has sorrow? Who has contentions? Who has complaints? Who has wounds without cause? Who has redness of eyes?
30 Those who linger long at the wine, Those who go in search of mixed wine.
31 Do not look on the wine when it is red, When it sparkles in the cup, When it swirls around smoothly;
32 At the last it bites like a serpent, And stings like a viper.
33 Your eyes will see strange things, And your heart will utter perverse things.
34 Yes, you will be like one who lies down in the midst of the sea, Or like one who lies at the top of the mast, saying:
35 “They have struck me, but I was not hurt; They have beaten me, but I did not feel it. When shall I awake, that I may seek another drink?”
